What are the most significant cases, projects and/or transactions that you and/or your legal team have recently been involved in?

One of the most significant projects I have been working on is a major M&A transaction that is helping navigate the transformation occurring within the automobile sector.

How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crisis to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

I need to be proactive and apply an adaptive approach. I prioritise pre-emptive risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities before they escalate. In fast-evolving industries, regulatory mapping and ongoing engagement with policymakers ensure compliance while allowing the business to adjust strategy ahead of potential disruptions. Additionally, understanding the implication of geo-politic environment is so significant for risk management purpose.

To complement this risk-focused approach, a well-structured corporate governance framework is crucial for swift decision-making during crises. Integrating contingency clauses within key agreements helps protect against market fluctuations and policy shifts.

What do you think are the most important attributes for a modern in-house counsel to possess?

A modern in-house counsel must be a strategic business partner, balancing legal risk with commercial insight. Today’s legal leaders must understand financial structures, industry trends, and operational complexities to ensure their guidance is not only legally sound but also commercially viable.

Adaptability and foresight are critical for navigating regulatory changes, anticipating risks, and maintaining compliance in an era of rapid globalisation, evolving fintech regulations, and shifting geopolitical dynamics.

Finally, effective communication and leadership enable counsel to bridge legal and business functions. The ability to translate complex legal principles into actionable business insights strengthens collaboration across departments and ensures legal considerations are embedded into strategic decision-making.

How can general counsel foster a corporate culture that supports ESG principles and compliance across all levels of the organisation?

General counsel play an important role in integrating ESG principles into corporate strategy. Fujitsu Group has long been implementing the goal of achieving sustainability across the organisation. We have been working closely with executives, employees, and external partners to ensure that ESG values are embedded in business practices. By promoting engagement and awareness, our role is to ensure that ESG is not merely a compliance obligation, but also a core component of corporate identity, enhancing resilience and long-term sustainability.